“Seats at the Table” makes us a participant of a fascinating class which brings together University of Virginia college students with prisoners of a maximum-security juvenile facility as they discuss classic works of Russian Literature, by Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and others. Professor Kaufman says, “one of the core principles this class is founded on is a simple idea, that reading a powerful work of literature can change a person’s life.” The texts provide a reference for the youth to reflect on their lives, exploring their past, present and future in small groups. Individual interviews with the students add a textured layer of depth to the story. This brave and important film allows us the privilege of observing the learning unfold, revealing the humanity behind institutional stereotypes, while exemplifying the transformational potential of education.